Grieving families across the United Kingdom are facing significantly higher costs when dealing with a loved one's estate following a major hike in official fees. The price for obtaining sealed copies of probate documents has skyrocketed from just £1.50 to a substantial £16 per copy.
Steep Increase in Administrative Costs
The new fee structure, introduced by the Labour government, came into effect on 17 November 2025. The government justified the change by stating the previous £1.50 charge did not cover the cost of providing the service. For a typical application requiring ten copies, the total cost has now risen to £460, a sharp increase from £288 last year.
An Ministry of Justice spokesperson defended the increase, saying: "We are speeding up probate, recruiting more court staff and investing in digital services to streamline the process. The fee increase reflects the true cost of the service and means we can focus taxpayers’ money on improving other parts of the under pressure court system."
Professionals Warn of Added Strain on Families
Legal and financial experts have reacted with concern, labelling the hike as excessive and poorly timed. Madeleine Beresford of TWM Solicitors emphasised the added burden, stating this is a drastic rise for families at a time where they are already dealing with complex administration, potential inheritance tax liabilities, and the emotional toll of bereavement.
Kirsten Pettigrew, a wealth manager at Rathbones, echoed this sentiment, questioning the fairness of such a sharp increase during one of life's most difficult moments. She acknowledged the government's cost recovery rationale but stressed the scale of the jump feels excessive to those affected.
Practical Consequences for Estate Administration
Rish Sareen from law firm Trustestate highlighted a critical practical issue: these sealed documents are essential, not optional. Executors often need multiple copies to send simultaneously to banks, pension providers, and other institutions to wind up an estate efficiently.
He warned that costs can therefore multiply quickly, adding financial strain to an already emotionally challenging process. Some families may try to control costs by ordering fewer copies and circulating them one by one, but this strategy inevitably slows down the entire estate administration process. This delay can prolong distress and even place additional pressure on family relationships during a sensitive period.
The consensus among professionals is clear: while modernisation of the probate service is welcomed, the magnitude of this fee increase places a heavy and unwelcome burden on individuals navigating loss.
